by Fabian Hakalits – EMTV, Buka
The National Governments Tuition Fee Free Policy has been described as a failure, by Bougainville Head teachers and Principals Forum,
because it doesn’t sustain schools operational costs in the long run.
Schools are likely to suspend the academic year, because the Tuition Free Fee Policy cannot sustain their operations.
This was highlighted in a meeting this week, by the head teachers and principals of vocational, technical and secondary high schools in Bougainville.
Some of these problems affecting operations in boarding schools, like food, electricity, maintenance, stationaries and ancillary staff.
Now with the No Project Fees instruction issued by the Education Minister, Nick Kuman, schools cannot fully function.
Forum Chairperson, Martin Takali says schools are possible to suspend classes in term two, because of the shortfall.
Bougainville Head teachers and Principals Forum also corrected statements made by the National Education Secretary Dr Michael Tapo on the “Seventy percent TFF paid in first quarter.”
While most vocational, technical and secondary high schools received less than 70 percent, one received nothing, Koromira Technical High.
This 70% affects operational costs, the fact, it’s costly for managing boarding schools in the country.
It is hoped that the National Government will review the TFF Policy, and pay schools according to their budget.
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